4 February 2026
The Revd Canon Janet Nicholls, Chelmsford Diocese Rural Adviser and Agricultural Chaplain, joined the High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh, on a visit to St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Rayleigh to present a pupil with a prestigious award.
Nine‑year‑old James Matthews, the son of a local farming family, received a High Sheriff’s Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in recognition of his remarkable fundraising efforts for the Christian farming charity, the Farming Community Network (FCN). At the end of last year, James climbed Ben Nevis to raise funds and awareness for the organisation.
Sharing James’ story, Canon Janet Nicholls writes:
"I recently accompanied the High Sheriff of Essex to St Nicholas C of E Primary School in Rayleigh, where James was presented with a High Sheriff’s Certificate for his outstanding achievement.
“In 2021, aged 5, James underwent surgery to create an artificial anterior cruciate ligament and from then on, he has turned his rehabilitation into something extraordinary, fundraising through walks and climbs. Climbing Britain’s highest mountain on his knee, which doctors rebuilt from scratch, has been his toughest challenge yet.
“As the fifth generation of a farming family in Battlesbridge, James was particularly keen to raise awareness of the support available to the farming community via FCN. James aimed to raise £500 for FCN and has exceeded this three-fold, raising £1600 so far!"
More information
Anyone in the farming community can access support from FCN via their Helpline 03000 111 999 or by contacting the Rev'd Canon Janet Nicholls at jnicholls@chelmsford.anglican.org.
Find out more about FCN at fcn.org.uk.
